Dear UVM community,

President Garimella has informed the Board of Trustees that he has been named the next president of the University of Arizona. 

The Board is proud of UVM’s trajectory during the five years of President Garimella’s tenure. His bold vision and innovative leadership have empowered UVM to “amplify our impact” here in Vermont and far beyond our borders. He has prioritized access and affordability for our students and ensured they have ample resources for success. We have diversified the breadth of our distinctive research excellence and doubled the amount of external support received to fund that research. President Garimella’s emphasis on the importance of UVM’s land grant commitment to the people, businesses, and communities of Vermont has resulted in a growing number of successful UVM collaborations and partnerships with corporate and public organizations across the state. 

It is no surprise, then, that the University of Arizona has taken notice and concluded that President Garimella will be an exceptional leader for them. It is heartening to see an institution of Arizona’s size and stature recognize the excellence of the University of Vermont. 

It also is important to recognize that big accomplishments require the work of a talented team. Thankfully, UVM has outstanding and experienced leaders who will maintain UVM’s enviable momentum during this time of transition. We will conduct a rigorous national search for our next president and have every confidence that the university’s successes and trajectory under President Garimella’s leadership will help to attract exceptional candidates. Updates on next steps in this process will come soon.

Please join me in congratulating President Garimella on his new appointment and in thanking him for all he has done for the University of Vermont. 

Sincerely,

Ron Lumbra
Chair, Board of Trustees